Jacob Nunoo, 48, and another have appeared before the Achimota Circuit Court on charges related to fraudulent land transactions, forgery of documents, unlawful possession of military attire and abetment to commit a crime.

Nunoo, alongside his alleged associates, including Nii Atiakoso Bortier, also known as Akafa, who remains at large, is accused of orchestrating a scheme aimed at defrauding businessman Patrick Oko from Nungua, Accra.

According to the prosecution led by ASP Stephen Ahiale, Nunoo purportedly sold two plots of land at Lashibi to Oko for GHȻ140,000. Subsequently, he demanded an additional GHȻ50,000 under the threat of selling the plots to another buyer at a higher price.

During this period, Nunoo and his associates allegedly resold the same plots for GHȻ600,000 to a different party while Oko was abroad, despite having received payments from Oko.

Law enforcement officers, upon Nunoo’s arrest, reportedly found military uniforms in his possession, which is illegal under Ghanaian law.

Further complicating matters, documents presented by Nunoo, including an indenture and site plan bearing purported signatures of the Nungua Paramount Chief, were found to be forged upon investigation.

These documents allegedly played a pivotal role in deceiving Oko and potentially others.

Elvis Okle Atiakpe, implicated as the second accused, faces charges for allegedly aiding in the destruction of structures valued at GHȻ200,000 that Oko had built on the disputed land without a court order.

In court, Nunoo pleaded not guilty to charges including fraudulent transactions in land, forgery of documents, possession of military uniforms without authority, causing unlawful damage, and defrauding by false pretenses.

He reportedly admitted to some offenses during interrogations, attributing influence from his co-accused who are currently evading arrest.

Atiakpe also pleaded not guilty to the charge of abetment.

Initially remanded for two weeks, Nunoo and Atiakpe were later granted bail in the amount of GHȻ600,000 each, with conditions including reporting weekly to investigators and providing three sureties, one of whom must justify their status with land title deeds.

Two other accused persons, Emmanuel Akpene and Nii Atiakoso Bortier alias Akafa, are currently fugitives, prompting the prosecution to seek bench warrants for their immediate arrest.

The Achimota Circuit Court has scheduled the next hearing for August 5, 2024, expecting further evidence and testimonies to unfold the full extent of the alleged fraud and forgery.